Thursday, June 7, 2018

Lifting the Landscape: Christopher Curtis

The work of renowned artist Christopher Curtis will be featured at Tulsa Botanic Garden’s first sculpture exhibit March 17 through August 26.

Curtis works primarily in stone and he often incorporates sculptural welded stainless steel or bronze into his pieces. He began working with stone under the instruction of Paul Aschenbach at the University of Vermont. Though Curtis employs current technology in his work, his abiding fascination is with raw stone. He sees in each stone both its ancient history and its unique shape.

See and hear how Chris creates his art in the video below. Special thanks to Sculpturesite Gallery and Scott Saraceno (owners) for permission to share.

“I begin not with quarried blocks but with raw stones as they are found in nature,” says Curtis, “Each one, with its time-honed patina, tells a story of a very long personal past. The stones pass through the present very quickly and, with altered identities, continue their journeys into an unimaginably long future.”

For Curtis, stones are objects, not just material. That makes the discovery, selection and recovery of the stone an important and enjoyable part of his work. Curtis has studied the geologic history of his native Vermont, following the ancient lines of glaciers and inland seas to find stones whose stories resonate with the sculptures they become.

“I am interested in the peculiar intersection of the past and the future,” Curtis adds, “Cross-cultural and time independent archetypes are the universal symbols that capture and express this phenomenon in the present. My work is about expressing these eternal truths in physical form.”

The exhibit includes a total of 15 pieces set around the Garden's lake. All pieces are available for sale and a portion of the proceeds benefit the Botanic Garden.

Christopher Curtis’ work is represented in over 250 private collections in the U.S. In addition, he has many significant public commissions, including among others: the U.S. Federal Reserve, Washington, DC; Red Rocks Casino, Las Vegas, Nevada; Reservoir Woods, Waltham, Massachusetts; University of Arkansas Medical School, Little Rock; and the U.S. Embassy, Copenhagen, Denmark. Curtis works from his studio in Stowe, Vermont.

Lifting the Landscape is sponsored by donors including James and Cherry Bost, Frank and Gayle Eby, Burt B. Holmes, and The Ruskin Art Club.

Meet Christopher at a Reception on Sunday, August 26 from 4 to 6 p.m. in the Garden's Mabee Grange. RSVP to info@tulsabotanic.org or 918-289-0330.

Dog Night

Thursday, June 7, 2018 - 5:00pm to 8:00pm

Bring your four-legged friend for a special time when they can join you for a walk in the Garden. Tulsa SPCA will be on site with their mobile adoption unit with animals looking for their "furever homes." Dogs must be controlled by a leash and current on all vaccinations and registrations. Free for Garden members and member dogs. Regular admission for non-member and $4 for non-member dogs.

** NOTE: The Square at the top of the Tandy Floral Terraces will be closed for Paint & Prosecco class. **

Tulsa Botanic Garden is open Tuesday - Sunday, 10am to 5pm, with extended hours - 9am to 9pm - on Thursdays during June, July and August. Admission is FREE for Garden members; $8 for ages 13+, $4 for ages 3-12. Children 2 and under are free. Dogs are only permitted during specific Dog Day/Night events such as this. For more information, call 918-289-0330.

Paint & Prosecco

Thursday, June 7, 2018 - 6:00pm to 9:00pm

Tulsa artist Rosemary Daugherty of Moonlight Art Factory will lead a fun class in creating the painting below: "Evening in the Garden", inspired by regal lilies that may just be blooming during this class! Weather permitting, class will be held in The Square at the top of the Tandy Floral Terraces. (if inclement weather, class will be moved indoors) Registration is required as class size is limited. All supplies will be provided. Cash bar with beer, wine, etc and complimentary snacks. $45 for Garden members; $50 for non-members.

PLEASE NOTE: Class has been cancelled for June 7. To be notified of the next class, pleas email info@tulsabotanic.org or call 918-289-0330.

Cancellation policy: Cancellation must be received in writing via email to keli@tulsabotanic.org, at least 7 days prior for refund.